Oklahoma — Festivals and Events

From the rich Native American culture to rodeos and classic state fairs, Oklahoma puts on some pretty impressive events during its warmer months. The June Red Earth gathering of Indian tribes is a show-stopper, while the September State Fair is vintage Americana. In between you can enjoy German beer, plenty of art, and lots of community festivals where family fun is a big focus.

Oklahoma Festival of the Arts

Art in its myriad forms takes over Oklahoma City’s lovely Myriad Botanical Gardens each April for a week of artistic celebration. Around 100 visual artists and performers take to the four outdoor stages. Street performers wander the park and international food vendors keep everyone fed and watered. The Children’s Artpark is another highlight of this major (free) spring event.

Tulsa International Mayfest

Tulsa rings in its pleasant spring weather with one of its biggest events of the year. The Mayfest draws around 350,000 visitors every May for a long weekend of dance, visual arts, and music. The live music ranges from folk to country western, while the artists are mainly regional.

Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival

The largest Native American gathering of its kind in the United State takes place over the first weekend in June each year in Oklahoma City. More than 100 Native American tribes converge on the city to showcase their unique cultural traditions with dancing, music, and storytelling. It’s an amazingly colorful event, with an estimated crowd of 100,000 watching the main parade where some 2,000 natives march together through downtown Oklahoma City. Plenty of other events take place, and there is a huge arts and crafts fair with things to admire and buy.

Tulsa Freedom Fest

This All-American state always puts on a superb Independence Day celebration. Tulsa is one of the best places in Oklahoma to enjoy the Fourth of July, where its River West Festival Park is a frenzy of family fun and activities. By day it’s all about live concerts, kid’s activities, picnics, and family events. After dark a massive fireworks show fills the sky over the Arkansas River with an amazing spectacle.

State Fair of Oklahoma

as far as American state fairs go, Oklahoma puts on one heck of a show. Held each September in Oklahoma City’s State Fair Park, this massive festival is arguably the biggest event in the state. Everything from a professional rodeo to top-shelf live music goes well with the carnival rides and delicious fair food. There are still livestock competitions, but this fair has a much more general appeal.

Oktoberfest

Every October Tulsa kicks up its heels and enjoys the taste of Bavarian beer and food at its annual Oktoberfest. The four-day event happens at the lovely River West Festival Park, where vendors set up booths and sell beer samples and traditional German food. There is also a competition in the food and beer department and live music for background.